Join Ryan O’Shaughnessy on a journey of self-development with Coca‑Cola HBC’s #YouthEmpowered programme

Eurovision finalist Ryan O'Shaughnessy is calling on young people to sign up for free online business and life skills training and mentoring sessions through a new Digital Hub.

Coca‑Cola HBC was pleased to announced that critically acclaimed musician, song writer and actor Ryan O’Shaughnessy will come onboard as its #YouthEmpowered ambassador in 2018.

The Eurovision finalist is a keen supporter of the new initiative and is urging young people across Ireland to register for free life and business skills training courses online at www.youthempowered.ie.

Now in its second year, the #YouthEmpowered programme seeks to support those aged 18-30 across Ireland and Northern Ireland who are not in education, employment or training with the skills and confidence to aim high and make their goals a reality.

With 460 young people benefitting from classroom training sessions in 2017, this year also sees the introduction of the new Digital Hub, offering e-learning courses to equip job seekers with essential skills to succeed. It is the ambition of Coca‑Cola HBC that 750 young people in total will benefit from the programme in 2018, through both live workshops and the new online training.

The #YouthEmpowered Digital Hub provides fundamental life and business skills for young people, including courses in financial literacy, time management, project management, business, negotiation and sales skills. Young people can also embark on self-development courses, discover what career is the best fit for their personality and learn more about relationship and communication skills.

460 Youth trained in 2017

750 Youth to be trained in 2018

Ryan O'Shaughnessy, #YouthEmpowered ambassador

Best known as Ireland’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, Ryan O’Shaughnessy’s embodies the creativity and adaptability of young people, having used his talents to follow his passion in life.

Launching the programme Ryan O’Shaughnessy said: “I’m thrilled to partner with Coca‑Cola HBC on its new #YouthEmpowered programme which aims to support young people to get started on their career path. I know how many people struggle to find their first job, get their foot in the door or continue in education so it’s really important that people are given the support they need to get on the right track. I would call on recent school-leavers, job-seekers or any young person looking to reach their goals to join me in registering for the #YouthEmpowered Digital Hub.”

In addition to the new Digital Hub, Coca‑Cola HBC is also expanding the number of classroom-based workshops in 2018 in partnership with Fastrack Into IT (FIT) and Youth Action Northern Ireland, with 30 workshop taking place in locations throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Over 40 employees from Coca‑Cola HBC will also lend their support to the programme as Youth Coaches; sharing personal experiences about their own journey to meaningful employment, career guidance and business insights.

Matthieu Seguin, General Manager Coca‑Cola HBC, listening to Ryan O'Shaughnessy on his career journey

Matthieu Seguin, General Manager, Coca‑Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland said: “Coca‑Cola HBC believes passionately in the potential of all young people as future leaders and community change-makers. They see no boundaries and can achieve things that no-one else thought possible.

“Despite the economic recovery, approximately one in ten young people across Ireland* are currently unemployed. As business leaders, we have a special responsibility to ensure that the society in which we operate is sustainable and prosperous for all. That is why we are proud to launch #YouthEmpowered 2018 today, giving 750 young people the opportunity to unlock their potential through skills training and professional mentoring. Through a journey of discovery and development, I am confident that we can empower our young people to succeed.”